It's no different to shoplifting from a charity shop, so I can't see why people might think that the penalty is excessive.
I also suspect that the guy's colleagues might have had a reason for checking the contents of the money box just after he'd theoretically inserted full payment into it. (After all, it's probably not something that happens routinely). i.e. he was possibly already under suspicion for under-paying correct amounts on a regular basis.
^^^^For goodness sake. There was someone there actually listening to how many coins dropped into the Charity tin. Seems like something more to this story as anneasquith said
History has proved he would have faired better if he was one of the officers that ignore (covered up?) the systematic rape and trafficking of children.
"Another officer present said she only “heard the noise of one coin” as he dropped it in the tin."
"upon further investigation discovered that the cash float was up by only 10p"
It's that sort of attention to detail and powers of deduction that make these upstanding officers a credit to the force and our country, I'm glad this matter got the public prominence it has as it has showcased their talents to us all.
Whereas the criminal:
"later changed his story and said he could not remember what coins he had placed in the charity tin"
A very poor show indeed, deserved all he got with that shameful effort not the sort of defence any self respecting thief would use, hopefully he'll learn from this and thinks about what he'll say when he gets caught stealing before it happens next time.
He stole 90p from a charity. stealing from a charity is pretty despicable. The fact that it was only 90p actually makes it worse because it demonstrates a particular kind of moral turpitude - a willingness to lie cheat and steal for such a petty amount. Police officers should be held to a higher standard of behaviour because they are paid to uphold the law. I don't think it's OTT at all.
douglas9401. One should bear in mind the few short steps between this kind of action and the abduction, rape, murder and mutilation of innocent women
You are kidding I presume. The man simply went for a cheap option. Most people like a freebie, the police are definitely no exception. To sack a man of such triviality is a classic example of leftist over reacting. Pathetic.
I believe the outcome was correct. We are entitled to expect the best of standards from our police force. All officers can expect to pay the price for their actions, it matters not what their failings are. Now all we need is to apply it across the board.
Zero tolerance policies should be mandated at police. It's been used against ordinary citizens in some places.
They should set an example.
I too believe it's something more to this case..